Photo Zone

The Sigma AF 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX HSM DG is the most extreme full format ultra-wide zoom lens around and it is still a “mainstream” ultra-wide lens when used on APS-C DSLRs. If you’re looking for a future-proof “duo-format” lens in this class – well, here it is. However, there’re a couple of further good arguments in favor of the lens. In the APS-C scope the resolution is very high and even throughout the tested aperture and focal length range and as such more harmonious compared to dedicated APS-C zooms which tend to suffer from edge problems. Distortions are extremely well controlled for a lens in this class and vignetting is generally not a problem except maybe at 12mm @ f/4.5. The only significant issue are lateral CAs at and below 17mm – you better shoot RAW files and correct the issue in your RAW converter, otherwise CAs are too extreme. The build quality of the Sigma is excellent and the fast and near-silent HSM (ultrasonic) AF drive is a welcome feature. The price tag of the lens is fairly moderate in relation to what you get for your bucks. Highly recommended … if you can get a good sample (the tested sample in Canon mount wasn’t quite as good). “¦ READ FULL REVIEW

Other Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX HSM DG AF Reviews

Ken Rockwell

Works OK. I didn’t do a thorough evaluation since the ergonomics were so lackluster. I’m not a fan of Sigma. Get the Nikon or Canon for a digital camera. The Nikon 12 – 24 mm is brilliantly sharp and nothing could better it on a digital camera. The Nikon and Canon lenses are smaller, lighter, faster (f/4) and take real filters. The Canon additionally covers a wider angle and wider zoom range. “¦ READ FULL REVIEW

Photo Zone (Canon Mount Tested)

The proved to be a very decent performer for an ultra-wide zoom lens (on APS-C). It has specific strengths (extremely low distortions) and weaknesses (CAs, vignetting at 12mm) but generally the optical quality is very fine with good to very good resolution figures. The build quality is also very impressive. Nonetheless the lens faces a rather stiff competition from and the Tokina AF 12-24mm f/4 AT-X Pro. This gang of three produces relatively similar results so you may spend some agonizing thoughts to choose between them based on your specific preferences. Note: In the meanwhile I’ve tested the Nikon variant of the Sigma and it performed quite a bit better. Seems as if the tested Canon version was not the best sample around. “¦ READ FULL REVIEW

Reader Interactions

Comments

I have owned this lens for about 3 years. I’m an advanced amateur. The lack of distortion on the Sigma 12-24 is amazing. If that is important, then there is nothing really comparable to my knowledge. Software may be able to correct distortion from other lenses but it also chops out a portion of your image. You really don’t need to correct with this unless you have really strong lines at the edges of your image. If you don’t use an ultrawide a lot, and I don’t, then it is also a good choice if you think you may upgrade to a full frame body. A friend has the Nikon full frame ultrawide and while it is probably a fair bit superior in sharpness, it is also twice the price, huge and heavy. I would never take the Nikon FX on a holiday unless it was a driving vacation. The Sigma’s sharpness is very good and will satisfy all but the most critical, but not it’s strongest suit. To get the best out of the Sigma lens, you need to stop down to f8 or f11. That can be a limitation if you intend to shoot images with thin depth of field, to the limited extent that is possible with an ultrawide. The lens has great contrast and the build is quite good. Focus speed is average. In summary, it can be a great lens for the money, depending on how much you want to spend and how whether a bit of extra sharpness is more important than low distortion, portability and full frame compatability.

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